Perceptions of Equipment on On-Ice Attitudes and Performances of Hockey Players

The purpose of this study was to examine if and how the perception of protective sporting equipment influences the on-ice attitudes and behaviors of ice hockey players. Interviews were conducted with ice hockey players at the Junior level of competition. A series of open-ended questions pertaining to participants' development in ice hockey, attitudes towards ice hockey, and their use of equipment guided the interviews. Data were organized by themes and results provided evidence for the creation of norms of violence within ice hockey as well as alluded to the idea that creation is an ongoing process engaged in throughout a player's career. Attitude towards the game of ice hockey was found to influence performance, but at the same time, attitude was influenced by aggression. Finally, the results indicated that ice hockey players do perceive their equipment as a source of confidence and security.